EU nations struggle to find joint approach on energy prices

By RAF CASERT
Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union nations are struggling to find common ground on ways to shield the population from dramatically increasing energy prices that threaten to plunge millions into cold and poverty over the winter as Russia chokes off natural gas supplies. The energy ministers of the EU’s 27 nations have differences on whether and how to impose a price cap on Russian gas. Ever-recalcitrant Hungary refuses a price ceiling as it would go against its supply interests. Other member states differed whether a price cap should apply only to Russia or to other producers, too. Other measures include windfall levies on oil and gas companies whose profits have risen along with skyrocketing prices.